What is a side return extension?
A side return extension fills the narrow passage that runs alongside the back addition of many Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses. It widens a galley kitchen into a proper kitchen-diner, usually with a sloping glazed roof to keep the room bright.
How much does a side return extension cost in Swadlincote?
In Swadlincote, a side return extension typically costs £2,200–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 12 m² project that is roughly £26,500–£38,000. Prices across the East Midlands are typically 5% below the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Swadlincote. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (8 m²) | £17,500–£25,000 |
| Typical project (12 m²) | £26,500–£38,000 |
| Larger project (17 m²) | £37,500–£53,500 |
| Rate per m² | £2,200–£3,150 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Party wall surveyor fees
- Moving drains and soil stacks
- Glazed roof specification
- Steel beams and propping of the back addition
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a side return extension in Swadlincote?
The approval route for Swadlincote is set by planning law in England. In England a side return infill is treated as a side extension. It may be permitted development if it is single-storey, no more than 4 metres high and no wider than half the original house, but not in a conservation area. Because side returns sit on the boundary, party wall notices are almost always needed.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Party wall advice and notices
- Glazed or solid roof with insulation
- Building control sign-off
- Survey of party walls, drains and the existing back addition
- Drawings and planning or permitted development check
- Steel beams to remove the side wall
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 10 to 14 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 3 to 4 months, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Swadlincote
In the East Midlands, many estates built since the 1960s have integral garages that convert well into a study or bedroom.
We work across Swadlincote and neighbouring areas such as Burton upon Trent, Coalville and Derby. Postcodes we cover in Swadlincote include DE11.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about side return extensions in Swadlincote
How do you get materials in?
Mid-terrace houses often have no rear access, so materials come through the house. We protect floors and plan deliveries carefully.
Can I stay in the house?
Usually, though the kitchen will be out of action for several weeks. We plan a temporary kitchen area where possible.
Is a glass roof too hot or cold?
Modern solar-control double or triple glazing reduces glare and heat loss. Building regulations also limit how much glazing you can have unless the design shows it performs well enough.
Who approves a side return extension in Swadlincote?
Planning matters in Swadlincote go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does a side return extension cost in Swadlincote?
In Swadlincote, a side return extension typically costs £2,200–£3,150 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 12 m² project comes to roughly £26,500–£38,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.